Straightening with induction heating

The thermal straightening of welded plate constructions has been a key area of EFD Induction activity since the early 1980s.

Our deck and bulkhead straightening solutions are found in the ship- building industry (deck straightening), construction industry (straightening of bridges) and trains/trucks industry (production and repair of locomotives, rolling stock and Heavy Goods Vehicles).

Using induction for straightening means that you get the right heat, exactly where you want it. When repairing a steel chassis on a truck, for example, there’s no need to dismount heat-sensitive components such as brakes and cables. Induction also makes life easier for staff and the environment. No gas flame to emit dangerous fumes. No flame to burn the skin. And, in addition, induction heating is easy to learn and safe to use.

Terac

The Terac 25 brings the cost, safety and environmental benefits of induction heating to shipyards. A proven, turnkey solution, the Terac only needs an electricity supply and it’s ready to start work. Terac is ideal for deck and bulkhead straightening.

Terac has been documented to cut straightening times by as much as 80 per cent compared to flame heating and other traditional methods.

EFD Induction Teracs can be found in shipyards around the world. Customers usually cite a dramatic reduction in straightening costs as the biggest benefit of switching to Terac.

Minac

Mobile heat generators

The Minac range of complete mobile induction systems is even easier to use than its acclaimed predecessor.

A ready-to-use system, all that has to be done upon delivery is: 1) attach a coil, 2) connect supply voltage, 3) connect cooling water. In models with closed cooling systems, only the supply voltage needs connecting.

Once installed, the Minac's clear, menu-based and multi-language control panel ensures maximum ease-of-use. Moreover, this simplified control/user interface is common to all Minac equipment.

Many Minac models come in "Twin" versions offering two independent power outputs. The Twin versions feature split control panel displays—one for each power output.

The Minac is simple to operate. Handheld transformers (HHT) feature on/off and precise power controls. In fact, the HHT is as easy to operate as a regular electric drill. Flexible, water-cooled cables connecting the HHT to the converter allow easy access to workpieces.

Induction straightening in the shipbuilding industry

What is it then that makes induction so attractive for straightening assemblies that have been distorted by welding on a ship? One reason is precision—you get just the right temperature, just where it’s needed. The risk of overheating metals is much less than with a flame. In fact, it is impossible when heating magnetic steel.

Another reason is that induction generates heat directly in the material. You considerably reduce the risk of fire—crucial when working with straightening decks or bulkheads inside the ship. In addition, it’s easy to learn how to handle induction heating. Savings in working time can amount to 80 percent and energy efficiency is also greatly improved.

EFD Induction has to date installed thousands of heating solutions for a wide range of industrial applications—bringing the benefits of induction technology to many of the world’s leading manufacturing and service companies. EFD Induction has manufacturing plants, workshops and service centers in the Americas, Europe and Asia.